Why We Exist
Every year, more than 700,000 people die by suicide across the world. According to the World Health Organisation, it’s the third leading cause of death among 15–29 year olds, and here in the UK, rates have reached their highest levels in decades. Bristol is among the most deeply affected cities.
But behind every statistic is a person, a life lost, a family grieving, a story cut short. That’s why Hope Against Suicide was founded: to offer a compassionate, visible presence before someone reaches crisis point.
We began in Bristol because the need here is urgent:
Suicide rates are rising among both men and women in the city
Middle-aged men (ages 35–64) remain especially at risk
Self-harm and depression- especially in young people, are well above national averages
We don’t see these figures as numbers. We see them as people. Every life lost is a tragedy, and every person in distress deserves to be met with care, empathy, and early support.
Hope Against Suicide exists to be there before the crisis becomes unmanageable, to be the calm voice, the kind face, the hand held out at just the right time.